Head injuries

Head injuries are common place in children. Because of their activeness, and head to body ratio, their head takes a lot of thumping. Most head injuries involve common bumps, clunks, and bruises, but serious injuries are also way too common place. TBI, (Traumatic Brain Injury) is the leading killer and disabler in children. Each year it kills around 3,000, and disables another 29,000. Needless to say, the brain is the most important part of your body, and though cushioned inside the skull, it is still extremely sensitive and prone to injury.

When to call the doctor:

w	If your child lost consciousness, even for any amount of time.

w	If your child is an infant and sustained a bad blow.

w	If your child will not stop crying.

w	If your child becomes difficult to console.

w	If your child isn’t walking normally afterwards.

w	If he or she seems confused or delirious

Signs of a concussion or internal injury:

w	Unconsciousness

w	Abnormal breathing

w	Serious wound or fracture to the skull

w	Bleeding or clear fluid from the nose, ear, or mouth

w	Disruption of speech or vision

w	Pupils of unequal size

w	Weakness or paralysis

Dizziness

w	Neck pain or stiffness

Seizures

w	Vomiting more than two to three times afterwards

w	Loss of bladder or bowel control

If your child shows any of these signs after a head injury, call for emergency help immediately.

If your child is unconscious:

w	Do not try to move him or her in case they have sustained a neck or spine injury.

Call 911.

w	Check vital signs, perform CPR if necessary

w	If your child vomits or has a seizure, turn them to the side while trying to keep the head straight and restrict movement.

w	Apply ice pack or cold pack while waiting for emergency crews if swelling of the wound needs to be minimized

If your child is conscious:

w	Try to keep them calm or still as best as you can

w	Apply a sterile bandage if there is external bleeding

w	Do not attempt to cleanse the wound. This can increase bleeding, and cause serious complications if there is a skull fracture.

w	Do not apply direct pressure to a head wound if you suspect a possible skull fracture

w	Do not remove any objects stuck in the wound.

Watch for signs of a concussion, such as feeling dazed, dizzy, light headed, or seeing stars; Trouble remembering things, such as what happened right before the injury, nausea or vomiting, headaches, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, slurred speech, confusion, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, coordination difficulties, or feeling overly tired. If your child shows signs of a concussion, take them to your doctor or emergency room immediately.